Nepal Hydropower – Potential and Installed Capacity

Details

Nepal possesses an estimated 83,000 MW of theoretical hydropower potential, with approximately 40,000 MW deemed technically and economically viable.

Current Status and Generation

Installed Capacity (2025): Approximately 3,422 MW (with hydropower contributing $\sim 3,256$ MW).
Expansion Target (FY 2025/26): Planned addition of $942$ MW, targeting a cumulative total of $\sim 4,800$ MW.
Under Construction: $259$ projects with a combined pipeline capacity of $\sim 10,692$ MW.
Dominant Technology: Over $90%$ of generation comes from Run-of-River (RoR) plants, leading to seasonal production fluctuations.

Institutional Framework and Major Projects

Grid Management: Managed by the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Key Projects: Upper Tamakoshi ($456$ MW) and Kali Gandaki A ($144$ MW) are among the largest completed installations.
Power Export: Power trade agreements enable bilateral exports to India, strengthening sub-regional energy security.

Category

Economic Indicator

Fiscal Year

2082

Key Figure/Rate

Potential: 83,000 MW, Installed: ~3,422 MW